Mar 28, 2024  
2013-14 Academic Catalog 
    
2013-14 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Medical Coding and Billing Specialist - MCBS.AS


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This program prepares students for employment in hospitals, ambulatory centers, visiting nursing associations, insurance companies, physician offices, and many other health organizations as a medical coder/billing specialist. After several years of work experience, the student may also work from home as an independent medical biller/coder.

Students must achieve a minimum “C” (73%) or better in every MEDC course. The student who is unable to meet the minimum requirement will be withdrawn from the program.

Students will also be prepared to take the Certified Coding Assistant (CCA) examination administered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). This examination is required by many employers for entry-level coding positions.

Program prerequisites include (1) placement in college-level reading, Algebra 1, and college-level English; (2) completion of Medical Terminology (MAST-101 ); and (3) familiarity with the operation of computers.

Program Prerequisites:

  1. Student must place in college level reading.
  2. Student must place in ALGB-087 .
  3. Student must complete Medical Terminology (MAST-101 ).
  4. Student must place in ENGL-100 .
  5. Student must be familiar with operating computers (or take CMPA-098  or CMPA-100 ).

Programmatic Technical Standard (PDF)

Upon the successful completion of the requirements of this program, an Associate in Science in Office Information Technologies from STCC will be awarded.

Medical Coding and Billing Specialists Program Goals


  1. Understand medical terminology and anatomy/physiology and can apply it to coding physician-documented patients’ records in an inpatient or outpatient setting.
  2. Understand the coding assignment guidelines: ICD 10 CM/PCS, CPT and HCPCS and have the skills to code diseases and procedures from patients’ records.
  3. Have an understanding of the relationship between coding and reimbursement; be knowledgeable about insurance terminology, various insurance carrier requirements and complete an insurance form.
  4. Understand the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and how it applies to coding and billing release of information.
  5. Can demonstrate proficiency in preparing an electronic medical record, billing services, posting payments, generating appointments, and medical/financial reports using medical software.
  6. Are computer literate (proficient in word processing, spreadsheets, data base, e-mail, and the Internet).

(MCBS.AS) Curriculum


Total (MCBS.AS) Curriculum Program Credits: 65


Department Personnel


Name Title Office Phone Email
Louise Corcoran Assistant Professor Health Info. Technology 02/227 413-755-4126 lgcorcoran@stcc.edu
Tracey McKethan Associate Professor/Program Chair 02/224 413-755-4680 tmckethan@stcc.edu

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